Feelings of being uneasy and down can come with shorter days. These feelings can range from the occasional “winter blues” to full-blown seasonal affective disorder. Since daylight changes your internal clocks, it makes sense that shorter days make you less energetic. To help you feel more balanced, there are things you can do, mostly in the fall and winter to ground your energy.
Grounding is basically any action that connects you to the earth and makes you feel calm, centered, and in the present moment. In the scientific world, grounding (or earthing) means doing things that connect you to the Earth’s electrical current, like the grounding wire in a three-prong plug.
Walking barefoot outside or sitting under a tree are common ways to ground yourself. However, the winter weather can make it hard to be outside during the day. Research has shown that grounding can help with pain and inflammation, as well as your mood, sleep, and blood flow. That is why you should look into how you can ground yourself indoors, especially now that you probably need it the most.
The crisp, cool days of winter can make it harder to stay grounded and connected to the earth’s natural energy But fear not, there are plenty of easy, enjoyable ways to remain grounded even when there’s snow on the ground Keep reading for 10 tips to help you harness the grounding power of winter.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Getting outside is one of the simplest ways to ground yourself in winter. Go for a walk in the woods, letting your boots sink into the snow with each step. Feel the crunch of the frozen ground beneath you, and notice how your body feels when you’re surrounded by nature.
Making snow angels and allowing delicate snowflakes to land on your face brings a childlike joy that instantly gets you grounded in the present moment Lie back in the fluffy snow and feel its chill seep into your back and legs as you sweep your arms and legs to create your angel Giggle as the icy flakes tickle your cheeks and eyelashes.
Get Near Water
Rivers, lakes, and streams don’t freeze completely solid (at least in most areas). Seek out moving water and dip your bare hands in it for an quick grounding sensation. Pay attention to how the frigid water feels against your skin, noticing the tingles and goosebumps it creates. Then bring your hands to your lips and breathe onto them to warm up again.
You can achieve a similar effect by touching ice or snow directly. Press a handful of fresh snow firmly in your palm and observe how it starts melting from your body heat. Feel the cold spread across your hand, then warm yourself back up by making a fist or sticking your hands in your pockets.
Try Grounding Yoga Poses
Certain yoga poses where your body contacts the earth can be very grounding. In the winter, try poses like Legs Up the Wall, Forward Fold, and Child’s Pose on a yoga mat or blanket spread over snow. The contrast of the cold ground beneath you and the heat building in your body from the poses creates excellent mind-body awareness.
For a more advanced option, craft your own grounding flow by transitioning between poses that require different body parts to press into the earth. Move from Downward Facing Dog, to Plank, to Hands and Knees to really explore grounding from head to toe.
Cook Warm, Hearty Meals
On frosty days, few things are as comforting and grounding as cooking up a batch of hot soup, stew, or chili. Chopping vegetables and simmering them slowly on the stove brings you into your senses and connects you with the earth’s nourishment. The smells and flavors of meals like beef stew, potato leek soup, or vegetarian chili literally ground you in the kitchen.
Eating these dishes links you to generations of people who relied on hearty, warming meals to get grounded during long winters. Feel your cold body soak up the warmth bite-by-bite. Chew slowly, and taste each earthy ingredient.
Wear Natural Fabrics
Clothing made from natural materials like wool, cotton, silk and hemp can enhance your grounding experience in winter. The fibers’ organic origins help transmit the earth’s negative surface charge into your body when worn close to the skin. Swap out synthetic thermal layers for wool long johns and tops to stay warm and grounded on winter hikes and activities.
At home, opt for cozy cotton sweatpants and wool socks instead of polyester fleece PJs to ground while you lounge. Pay attention to how soft and comforting these fabrics feel compared to artificial ones. Let them be a wearable reminder of your connection to the earth.
Cuddle Up Near a Fire
On a cold winter night, nothing beats gathering with loved ones around a crackling fire. Feel the radiating warmth against your skin as you sit close to the flames. Watch the glowing logs transform into white ash. Breathe deeply and let the smoky, woodsy aroma fill your nose.
The primal comfort of firelight evokes humanity’s ancient relationship with this element. Fire brings people together, just as grounding connects you to the earth and others. Sip hot cocoa or tea as you soak up the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of being near the fire.
Spend Time Barefoot Indoors
Going barefoot outside in the snow may be extreme, but you can still reap grounding benefits without shoes inside your home. Place your bare feet directly on the floor while working, relaxing, doing yoga, or meditating. Pay attention to how your feet feel as they press into the solid surface below you.
You can also stimulate reflexology points linked to grounding and calmness by walking barefoot on a wood floor or yoga mat. Focus on applying pressure to the balls of your feet, heels, and arches as you take steps. Let the soles of your feet fully connect with the simple pleasure of feeling the floor.
Soak in a Hot Bath
Draw yourself a hot bath when you need some solo grounding time. As you submerge your naked body into the steamy water, visualize your stress and tension melting away. Feel the warmth envelop you like a comforting hug. Soaking in a tub of hot water brings you into your body and into the present moment.
For an extra grounding boost, add Epsom salts, which contain magnesium that gets absorbed through your skin as you bathe. Magnesium supports nerve and muscle function for overall calm and wellbeing. Light some candles nearby and give yourself this relaxing, rejuvenating grounding ritual.
Get a Massage touch offers a wonderful way to get grounded, especially in the winter when people tend to isolate more. Schedule a massage session and notice what a difference it makes to have a practitioner’s hands pressing into your muscles. The combination of firm touch and the grounded presence of your massage therapist will leave you feeling relaxed and reconnected.
You might also exchange massages with your partner, friend or family member. Kneading each other’s tight spots not only grounds you, but also strengthens your relationship bonds. Trade slow, gentle strokes to give and receive this calming, comforting touch.
Try Forest Bathing
The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, also called forest bathing, offers a powerful mind-body-nature experience. Take a meditative walk through a winter forest, moving slowly and quietly as you fully engage all your senses. Notice the look, smells and sounds of the forest in winter. Reach out and touch the rough bark of evergreen trees as you pass by.
Pause periodically to breathe deeply and “bathe” in the natural environment around you. Feel yourself relax as you wander peacefully among the trees. Let go of stress and open your senses to receive all the gifts and grounding energy of the forest. Shinrin-yoku requires no special skills – just your presence.
The chilly days of winter can definitely make it more challenging to stay grounded. But as you can see, you have plenty of options! Get creative and try out some of these simple, enjoyable techniques to remain rooted and centered all season long. The grounded winter peace you’ll cultivate will serve you well now and all year round.
Practice a Sun Meditation
There are several ways you can do a Sun Meditation:
- If you need to, bundle up and go outside for a short time to enjoy the sun. You can lift your chin and enjoy the sunshine even if you have to stop to get in and out of the car on your way to work.
- If your porch or window gets sun, use that time to relax and feel the heat of the sun. It will give your body and spirit strength. In some way, get some sun every so often by taking breaks during the day.
- If you can’t see the sun, picture your own sun 8 to 12 inches above your head while you meditate. See that sun giving your spirit life and energy, just like the sun gives light to a tree for food. Every time you breathe, picture your roots going deeper into the ground. This will help you connect to the soft but powerful ground energy of nature.
Put Your Feet Flat on the Floor
Many grounding techniques involve going outside barefoot. However, you can still get the benefits of grounding by putting both feet flat on the floor without going outside. Putting your feet down firmly, with or without shoes or socks, gives your body, mind, and energy a solid base.
Try It:
- Do some meditation while sitting in a chair with your feet on the floor instead of on the floor. Think of your feet as plugs that connect to the Earth’s energy.
- When you’re in line at the post office or grocery store, don’t let your hips fall to one side. Instead, stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
- Are you about to make a presentation at work or wait for an important call? Stand on both feet and make sure your weight is evenly distributed between them. Your body knows you are safe and able to do whatever you need to do when you keep your balance.
Oftentimes, the need for grounding is preceded by anxiety, nervousness, and stress. Taking deep breaths is one of the fastest and easiest ways to calm down and get back to the present. Breathing exercises have many benefits, one of which is that they can help you feel less stressed in as little as a few seconds.
Try It:
- Start with a “Box Breath,” which means taking four deep breaths in, holding them for four counts, and then letting them out for four counts and holding the exhalation for four counts.
- Focusing on your body’s felt sensations when you deepen and control your breath can help you feel more present when you’re feeling disconnected and out of sorts.
How to Ground in the Winter Time | Dr. Janine
How do you ground yourself in winter?
Wearing earthing footwear with copper plates or natural leather soles, and touching snow with bare hands and feet are just a few ways to ground yourself. Finding ways to get closer to the Earth indoors during the colder months will help expand your well-being and improve overall health.
How do you ground outdoors in colder weather?
Another way to ground outdoors in colder weather is to wear grounded shoes – with or without grounding socks. Unlike most regular shoes, grounding shoes are specially made to conduct ground energy into your feet through the use of conductive materials like carbon, silver and copper in the outer and inner soles.
How do you get grounded if the weather is cold?
Everyone knows the best way to get grounded is to get out in nature. But sometimes it isn’t possible to walk barefoot on the Earth or submerge ourselves in crystal clear water, especially in the colder months. So here are some ways that you can get grounded regardless of the weather. 1. Grounded sheets
What makes grounding with snow so special?
What makes grounding with snow even more fascinating is the unique electric environment it creates. Electricity flows between the negatively charged earth and the positively charged atmosphere above, held by the frozen water crystals in the snow.